Wednesday morning links and notes -- Bengals re-sign FB Reagan Maui'a

by Josh Kirkendall on Oct 22, 2008 10:14 AM EDT in Analysis

We're not exactly sure why Mark Curnutte needs to ask the question whether Cedric Benson should start again.

Chick Ludwig details the disastrous 2004 NFL Draft.

Do you think that the Bengals are better than before Marvin Lewis? I do. Think of it this way. This is his sixth season, and we're just NOW contemplating that. Maybe he'll turn things around this season. Maybe not. Even though we're 0-7, I still believe we were better than the wonderful days of Dave Shula, Bruce Coslet and Dick LeBeau. Though that's not saying much, is it? However, it's only natural that the talking points will include Lewis' eventual firing -- of which I still don't think is close to happening.

The rookies made their mark on Sunday -- if losing one to IR, another to a foot fracture, then yea, they did. Even Simpson caught a pass, but came up lame afterwards.

The Bengals re-signed Reagan Maui'a after the team had an open spot on the 53-man roster. It's surprising that no other club thought about acquiring the fullback. Of course, I'm being sarcastic. While the dude can blow people up at times, he's often seen blocking standing up, a horrible pass protection back, and it seems he's one or two gaps wrong in the playbook. But we'll see.

Also, Maurice Purify is back with the practice squad.

Former Bengals linebacker, Odell Thurman will have his assault trial (he clocked a man at an indoor water park breaking his jaw) on January 27.

Apparently the Bengals practice like Super Bowl champions; perhaps it's because the talent they practice against is much more inferior than the talent they play again? But hey, at least we're good at something, right?

The Texans look to win their third consecutive game for the first time in team history.

Houston Texans scouting report.

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Comments

Lewis

Sadly I’m convinced the Bengals can’t win with Lewis as head coach. After 6 years, he’s making the same mistakes. After 6 years, his teams are still undisciplined. After 6 years, we’re right back where we were in 2003, except with much better personnel … which makes it harder to take. I hope I’m wrong, but am pretty sure I’m not.

by Timzilla on Oct 22, 2008 11:33 AM EDT reply actions

Agreed

The Bengals are in better shape than they were 6 years ago….on paper. Marvin Lewis = Wade Phillips, their personalities just wont get it done as head coach. Only difference is Phillips at least as an owner who wants to win, oh and that the Cowboys aren’t 0-7

by rockchalkbengals on Oct 22, 2008 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions

On the Lewis thing

I think the Bengals are better now than they were six years ago. If you go back and look at the 2002 roster, its pretty scary—particularly the defense. Lewis was dealt a crap hand for sure. He produced a significant turn around shockingly quickly—8-8 to 11-5 in three seasons. In retrospect, that 11-5 season was flukish—-Lewis basically has taken a god awful team and brought them to mediocrity. My gut tells me that this season is also flukish—but in the other direction. In defense of Lewis, I am not sure if any other coach could have done much better. Whether Lewis can take them to the next level—there is only one way to find out.

by goffchile on Oct 22, 2008 5:05 PM EDT reply actions

Still on Lewis

It’s just hard to respect a coach who until last week had 6 total games played by ALL of his draft picks from last year and ALL six of those games were by Rivers who is now out. Look at the draft history since Lewis has been there. Without looking into great detail I can’t think of another team that has had this many picks not produce or even play. I know it’s not just Lewis selecting their picks and he can’t shoulder all the blame, but he’s gotta shoulder most. Honestly Cedric Benson should not be on this team. There should not be a roster spot available for him. I am not asking for superstars, just fill the positions with quality players top to bottom and by quality not players who are facing or have faced criminal charges. I mean for crying out loud the Bengals ran a hybrid 5-2 Defense last year….seriously??
“Lewis basically has taken a god awful team and brought them to mediocrity”
Well he may have had a few 8-8s and that one “fluke” but he has no control of this middle of the road (0-7) team.
I just don’t see Lewis improving this team any farther than he already has it’s time for someone new.

by rockchalkbengals on Oct 22, 2008 7:19 PM EDT reply actions